Phase Models to Control Roughness in Additive Synthesis

This paper introduces the concepts of auditory roughness and perceptual dissonance. Using a computational auditory model, roughness prediction results are computed and analyzed. It is concluded that auditory roughness and perceptual dissonance theories result in comparable predictions f r steady state sounds, except in special cases where the phase of partials are of importance. Utilizing these findings, a sy nthesis algorithm for the adjustment of roughness in musical sounds is proposed and implemented. The algorithm is based on additive synthesis. Informal listening tests suggest a r elation between the control parameter of this algorithm and the pleasantness of the resulting sounds.